

Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda., a subsidiary of Shell plc, has made the final investment decision (FID) to develop the Gato do Mato field, a significant deepwater project located in the pre-salt region of Brazil's Santos Basin. This initiative underscores Shell's commitment to expanding its deepwater operations and contributing to Brazil's energy sector.
The Gato do Mato field spans two contiguous offshore blocks: BM-S-54, secured under a concession agreement in 2005, and Sul de Gato do Mato, obtained through a production sharing agreement in 2017. Situated approximately 250 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, the field lies in water depths ranging from 1,750 to 2,050 meters.
The development plan includes the installation of a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day. Current estimates place the recoverable resources at approximately 370 million barrels. Initial operations will focus on reinjecting natural gas to maintain reservoir pressure, with future provisions to export gas to onshore facilities.
The Gato do Mato Consortium comprises Shell as the operator with a 50% stake, Ecopetrol holding 30%, and TotalEnergies with a 20% interest. Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA) will act as the manager of the production sharing contract. This collaboration brings together leading industry players to leverage their combined expertise in deepwater exploration and production.
In April 2024, MODEC Inc. secured the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) contract for the FPSO system for the Gato do Mato development. The FPSO will be moored at a water depth of approximately 2,000 meters and will incorporate a spread mooring system supplied by SOFEC. MODEC's responsibilities encompass designing the hull and topside facilities, ensuring the FPSO's capability to efficiently process and store the produced hydrocarbons.
The harsh marine environment of deepwater projects like Gato do Mato necessitates the use of materials that can withstand severe conditions, including high pressures, temperatures, and corrosive elements. Clad plates, which consist of a base metal bonded with a corrosion-resistant alloy layer, are integral to the construction of critical components such as pressure vessels, pipelines, and processing equipment. Their application enhances the durability and safety of offshore facilities by providing robust mechanical strength and superior corrosion resistance. This reduces maintenance requirements and extends the operational lifespan of the equipment, thereby optimizing the project's overall efficiency and safety.
The Gato do Mato project aligns with Shell's strategy to invest in high-quality, resilient oil and gas projects that can deliver competitive returns. Zoë Yujnovich, Shell's Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, emphasized that the project contributes to maintaining stable liquids production from Shell's advantaged upstream business and reinforces the company's position as a leading foreign producer in Brazil.
The consortium anticipates that the Gato do Mato field will commence operations in 2029, marking a significant milestone in Brazil's efforts to develop its pre-salt resources and enhance its role in the global energy market.
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